It’s been about one year since Carl Husfeld, 87, was fatally injured when he interrupted a burglary of his home near DeLand. We are still seeking help from the public in solving this case.

Around 7 a.m. Dec. 8, 2016, an unknown suspect attempted to burglarize Mr. Husfeld’s home on Oak Circle, DeLand. The unknown male suspect was confronted by Mr. Husfeld, who sustained injuries which ultimately resulted in his death.

Mr. Husfeld was a longtime resident of the DeLand area, owned a farm and employed several people there over the years. He was a father to two sons and one daughter who live in California. He enjoyed traveling with his girlfriend and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

We hope anyone who has any information on this case will contact us at 386-254-1537. Information that leads to a conviction qualifies for a $10,000 reward from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS, online at WeStopCrime dot com, or by downloading the mobile app from our website (or by searching for P3Tips in the Android or Apple store). Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

UPDATE: 12/29/16

ASKING FOR THE PUBLIC'S HELP IN FINDING HOMICIDE SUSPECT

Please see the Crime Stoppers bulletin in this case and encourage any citizen who may have information to come forward. The only new information is that a suspect matching the description given in this burglary was a stocky or heavy-set male and was seen walking through back yards in the area of the incident just prior to the Dec. 8 burglary.

Anyone with any information they believe might be relevant to the case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit at 386-254-1535 or Crime Stoppers toll-free at (888) 277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $5,000.

Tips also can be anonymously submitted to Crime Stoppers by downloading the smartphone app from the Crime Stoppers web site (http://www.westopcrime.com).

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Dec. 23, 2016

VICTIM INJURED IN HOME BURGLARY DIES; INVESTIGATION ONGOING

An 87-year-old man injured earlier this month during a burglary of his home near DeLand died of his injuries Thursday, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the burglary as deputies search for the suspect responsible.

Carl Husfeld was injured on the morning of Dec. 8 after he interrupted the burglar entering his home at 12 Oak Circle. Husfeld told deputies he was in his home around 6:50 a.m. when he heard someone breaking in. When he went to one of the doors in the house to investigate, he was met by a man he described as short, stocky and wearing dark clothing. Husfeld was hit in the face by the door during a struggle with the suspect, and the suspect escaped.

Husfeld was taken to Florida Hospital DeLand, then Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford with fractures to several bones in his face and head. He was later listed in critical condition. On Thursday, he was taken off life support.

Investigators are reviewing evidence in the case, but no additional details are publicly available at this time while the investigation is active and ongoing. However, anyone with any information they believe might be relevant to the case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit at 386-254-1535 or Crime Stoppers toll-free at (888) 277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $5,000.

Tips also can be anonymously submitted to Crime Stoppers by downloading the smartphone app from the Crime Stoppers web site (http://www.westopcrime.com).